New to Us: Getting Started

• Contact DCM to schedule a meeting

• Setting up an account

• Contact the RAISE help desk for access to My Research 

• Submit Animal Use Protocols through My Research (MR)

• Instructions to completing protocols

• Submission deadlines

• Request training

• Training guide

• Request access to DCM 

Animal Use Protocols

Before animals are acquired or used, all procedures must be subject to ethical review in accordance with federal guidelines (Canadian Council on Animal Care) and provincial legislation (Animals for Research Act- OMAFRA) on animal care and use. No procedures can be undertaken without prior review. Ethical review ensures that all animal use meets federal guidelines, provincial statutes, University of Toronto guidelines, and best practices reflected in standard operating procedures. The TriCouncil  also requires ethical review and adherence to federal guidelines as a condition of funding. Other federal and provincial funding agencies have similar requirements. 

Protocols must be reviewed annually and remain valid for the duration of the project. Protocols submitted by investigators using DCM’s facilities are reviewed by the local Animal Care Committee representing the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry. 
Proposed projects which have not been subject to peer review for scientific merit must undergo independent scientific review prior to ethical review. In keeping with federal guidelines on scientific review, the University of Toronto has developed criteria and a process to apply for peer review for scientific merit.

Training

All investigative personnel using animals must be adequately trained prior to beginning their work in keeping with federal guidelines on animal care and use. DCM’s training program is modular; all investigative staff requires at least two basic modules. Any projects which involve more advanced techniques such as administration of substances by routes not covered in the basic modules, surgery, anesthesia, or work with biological or chemical hazards requires additional training. A training guide is available to assist you. 
Training is provided by DCM’s veterinary technical staff- specialists in laboratory animal science. The program curriculum has been developed by DCM’s professional staff which includes veterinarians specialized in laboratory animal medicine and surgery and Master’s level technicians, the highest level of professional registration attainable in laboratory animal science in Canada. 

To request registration, obtain and complete a requisition, send it to DCM and you will be contacted with a confirmation. DCM staff is also available to conduct one to one training for specific procedures, or they can refer you to qualified individuals for assistance. 

Access to Facilities and Security

If you require access to the CCBR or MSB animal facility, you will need a fob. Fobs are obtained through your departmental business officer. Fobs must not be shared. Once you have your fob, access to the facilities may be provided by requisition. Office hours for this service may be obtained as indicated on the requisition, Tuesday and Thursday 1-3pm.
Note that training is a prerequisite to access to facilities. All animal users must also be included on valid Animal Use Protocols. 

Access to the MSB and CCBR animal facilities is restricted in order to assure consistent control of environmental variables and to minimize factors that may alter experimental results. Investigative personnel are permitted access to the facility in which their animals are housed after they have completed training. DCM management is unable to authorize access without prior training. 

QUICK CHECK – GETTING STARTED

• Meet with DCM management
• DCM account
• AUP submitted
• Request permits – biosafety , controlled drugs, high hazard chemicals
• Book and complete training
• Obtain cardkey access
• Obtain additional training as needed
• Meet with veterinary technician responsible for husbandry of your animals